There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting mug of hot chocolate to make any day better. As the weather gets cooler, I find myself wanting to make a special drink more often. That’s why I’ve put together two of my favorite hot chocolate recipes for you.
These drinks are easy to make and offer unique, delicious tastes. Whether you like a bit of salty-sweet or something that reminds you of a sugar cookie, I have something here you’ll love. Let’s make some warm drinks!
Jump to Recipe:
Sweet & Salty: Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
This hot chocolate brings together classic sweet chocolate with a wonderful touch of salty caramel. It’s a comforting drink that’s perfect when you need a little something special.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Caramel Hot Chocolate
- Quality Chocolate: Use good milk or dark chocolate chips for a rich, deep flavor. The better the chocolate, the better your drink will taste.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt on top makes the caramel taste really pop. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
- Caramel Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought caramel or make your own if you have time. The quality of the caramel is important for this drink.
What You Need for Salted Caramel
- 2 cups milk (any kind you like)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of fine salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra for topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Sea salt flakes, for topping
⏱️ Time: 10 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warm and just starting to steam, but not boiling.
Step 2: Mix in Chocolate and Dry Ingredients
Add the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, fine salt, chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the warm milk. Stir everything well until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Top each mug with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well before serving again.
Cookie Inspired: Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
This drink tastes just like a sugar cookie in a warm mug. It’s sweet, creamy, and feels like a special treat that’s perfect for any cozy moment.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sugar Cookie Hot Chocolate
- White Chocolate: Use good quality white chocolate chips or a chopped white chocolate bar. This makes a big difference in the creamy taste.
- Almond Extract: This ingredient is key to getting that classic sugar cookie flavor. Don’t skip it, and measure carefully.
- Sprinkles: Add some fun, colorful sprinkles on top of the whipped cream to make it look even more like a cookie.
What You Need for Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works well)
- 1/2 cup good quality white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Colorful sprinkles, for topping
⏱️ Time: 12 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Sugar Cookie White Hot Chocolate
Step 1: Warm the Milk
Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it’s gently warm and steaming, but do not let it boil.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Add the white chocolate chips to the warm milk. Stir continuously until the white chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavors and Serve
Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Taste and add more sugar if you like it sweeter. Pour the hot chocolate into two mugs. Top each with whipped cream and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. Serve immediately.
📝 Final Note
For an even richer and thicker drink, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and light cream instead of just milk.
